United Way of Eastern La Salle County is accepting Labor of Love applications for repairs and maintenance on homes owned by low-income homeowners and homes owned by military families of deployed personnel.

The deadline to submit an application is Monday, Aug. 23.

For the 19th consecutive year, United Way's volunteer-based Labor of Love program will help low-income homeowners repair their homes at no cost to them. The program works in partnership with 11 area communities to rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly, disabled, veterans, widows of veterans and families with children.

The program was expanded in 2003 to help spouses of active duty military personnel keep up their homes while their loved ones are away.

"Our goal is to help individuals and families remain in their homes, living independently, warm, safe and dry," said Jim Conness, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 176.

Labor of Love repairs are provided at no charge to people who own their home, but who, because of income or physical limitations, are unable to do the repairs themselves and cannot cover the costs of hiring to have the work done. To be eligible for Labor of Love assistance consideration, applicants must:

* Own and live in their home with no plans to vacate or sell the home for a period of at least two years; the home must be located within eastern La Salle County, specifically Dayton, Grand Ridge, Harding, Leland, Marseilles, Naplate, Norway, Ottawa, Seneca, Serena, Sheridan and Wedron; sign a homeowner agreement, release and waiver; have the home insured under a homeowner's policy; and meet income eligibility, no greater than 50 percent of the median annual income.

* Military families must provide a copy of military orders or active duty ID card. All homes owned by military families of deployed personnel will be considered.

* Almost all the work is done in one day, which traditionally takes place, rain or shine, the first Saturday in October. This year's Labor of Love is set for Saturday, Oct. 2. An estimated 500 volunteers, from all skill levels, will come together to tackle leaky roofs, broken stairs, peeling paint, faulty plumbing and wiring, unruly yards, dirty and drafty windows, and other weatherization and home-safety repair projects. Repair projects are planned and supervised by professional trades people, contractors and house captains who generously donate their time and skills.

Labor of Love applications are available at Bridges Community Center, 221 W. Etna Road, Ottawa; the drive-up windows at First National Bank of Ottawa, 300 W. Madison St., 2771 N. Columbus St. and 601 State St., all Ottawa; Ottawa Savings Bank, 925 La Salle St.; and Twin Oaks Savings Bank, 125 W. Bluff St., Marseilles; First National Bank of Grand Ridge, 105 W. Main St., Grand Ridge; and First Midwest Bank of Seneca, 224 N. Main St., Seneca.

Labor of Love applications for military families are available only at United Way of Eastern La Salle County, 1400 La Salle St., Ottawa. All applications are to be returned to the United Way office by Monday, Aug. 23.

Labor of Love repairs are made possible through corporate and community donations, memorials, a weatherization grant from the Warm Neighbors Foundation and a Community Outreach grant from Exelon Nuclear La Salle Station — Labor of Love's signature sponsor for the past eight years.

Last year, 700 volunteers improved 38 homes, including four Friendship House residences for disabled adults.

For more information about Labor of Love, contact United Way of Eastern La Salle County at 815- 434-4003 or by e-mail at unitedwayelc@sbcglobal.net.